Project description DEENESFRITPL An easier way to clean the air The respiratory system is one of the main routes of exposure (inhalation) of microscale particles in polluted air. Trapping airborne particles by water droplets is the most widely used method to reduce the particle concentration in polluted air. This method, however, requires specialised equipment and a large amount of energy. The EU-funded TrapJump project will develop a new approach using abundant self-jumping droplets generated during condensation on a superhydrophobic surface. It will use cutting-edge confocal microscopy to analyse the condensing droplet wetting dynamics. It will also investigate the effects of jumping droplet characteristics on the particle-droplet interaction from a single-droplet perspective. The findings will make a conceptual breakthrough in mitigating air pollution without additional energy consumption. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Inhalation of microscale particles can cause severe health issues in respiratory and cardiovascular systems of humans. Trapping airborne particles by water droplets is one of the most widely used methods to reduce the particle concentration in polluted air. However, generating intensive micro-droplets via spraying or ultrasonic atomization normally requires specialized equipment and a large amount of energy. In this project, I propose a novel and cost-effective approach to capture particles by utilizing abundant self-jumping droplets generated during condensation on a superhydrophobic surface. Since the condensation process is ubiquitous and can be found in various heat transfer devices such as air conditioners, the proposed strategy will significantly reduce the expenses and energy costs for particle removal. In particular, to enhance the particle trapping rate, I intend to explore the rational superhydrophobic surface topography that allows continuous jumping-droplet condensation. I will first analyze the condensing droplet wetting dynamics using the cutting-edge confocal microscopy developed by the host lab. The results obtained will help to optimize the surface structures to achieve the durable condensate repellency. Next, I will investigate the effects of jumping droplet characteristics on the particle-droplet interaction from a single-droplet perspective. Finally, I will use my expertise in thermal physics to quantitatively correlate global condensation heat transfer and particle trapping performance. By integrating these interdisciplinary studies, the project will make a conceptual breakthrough in mitigating air pollution without additional energy consumption, and pave the way for the next-generation climate control devices with built-in air purification capabilities. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetary geologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineeringnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencespollutionnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyconfocal microscopy Keywords superhydrophobic wetting condensation aerosol air quality control Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2019 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Net EU contribution € 174 806,40 Address Hofgartenstrasse 8 80539 Munchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
